To honor the University of South Alabama’s 50th anniversary, Tom Meyer, assistant
professor in the College of Nursing at USA, is asking kayak enthusiasts to take the Bartram Challenge.

Meyer, who has been associated with USA for nearly 50 years as a student and faculty member, is also involved in endurance sports, including kayaking. To honor the university’s 50th Anniversary, he has committed to attempt a feat that demonstrates “the values of commitment, persistence, and excellence” instilled in him from his beginnings at USA.

On March 30, Meyer will launch his kayak at sunrise at the northernmost put-in of the Bartram Canoe Trail, Holly Creek Landing, in far north Baldwin County and will paddle a 50-mile route to the southern terminus of the Trail at 5 Rivers – Alabama’s Delta Resource Center on the causeway. He invites all comers to share in the experience by paddling any or all of the route with him.

Meyer’s kayak will be decorated with custom designed jaguar decals in honor of USA’s mascot and the university’s 50th anniversary logo. The boat is named ONCA from the scientific name of the jaguar, “Panthera onca”.

"USA has had a profound impact not only on my life, but on the lives of my wife and son. As an avid participant in outdoor sports, this is my way to honor the University and its history," he said.

Meyer is among the first class of athletes at USA to have been awarded an athletic letter in cross country and track. His wife and son are also alumni and between the three of them they have five degrees from USA.